As a fan of bourbon, I recently decided to explore the world of Old Forester Statesman Bourbon. Introduced in July 2017, this straight bourbon has gained quite the following in the whiskey community. Crafted by the Old Forester Distilling Company, and with Brown-Forman as the parent company, this bourbon has an interesting mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley

photo credit: www.oldforester.com

Old Forester Statesman Bourbon Overview

Product History

The Old Forester Statesman Bourbon has an interesting story behind it. The brand Old Forester itself was established in 1870, making it a significant part of American bourbon history. This specific bourbon was initially released as a limited edition prop for the second Kingsman movie. To my surprise, it gained popularity and is still available on the market today.

Old Forester has a rich history, with significant milestones such as the Brown-Forman Distillery’s founding in 1897, the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1910, and the brand’s survival through Prohibition in the 1920s. Their Louisville distillery is where the magic happens, producing this fine Statesman bourbon, among other delectable creations.

Price Range

When it comes to price, I find the Old Forester Statesman Bourbon to be reasonably priced. Its cost usually ranges from $50 to $60 per bottle, making it an attractive option for bourbon enthusiasts. The availability and price point make this bourbon an excellent choice for those looking to try something new or add to their collection.

The Old Forester Statesman Bourbon is not just about the price; its aroma and flavor are what truly draw people in. With a sweet and intense scent, featuring cherry, brown sugar, vanilla, sugar cookie, and seasoned oak, it is hard not to be enchanted by it. The taste profile includes buttery leather with a peppery edge, cinnamon bark, sharp citrus, and a finish of spicy eucalyptus, orange cream, and caramel. With a proof of 95, it manages to impress both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

When I first opened the bottle of Old Forester Statesman Bourbon, I was immediately greeted with an aroma that captivated me. The sweet and bright scent of cherry, brown sugar, vanilla, and sugar cookie combined gracefully with seasoned oak, creating a well-rounded and irresistible fragrance. I noticed hints of cinnamon, baked apples, and a subtle touch of banana too, adding to the overall sweetness of the aroma.

Flavor

As I took my first sip, I was pleasantly surprised with the flavors dancing on my palate. A delightful mix of waffles with cherry syrup, honey butter biscuits, and light red fruits captivated my taste buds. The rye-forward mash bill from the distillery brought a subtle spiciness to the mix, with notes of ginger, cumin, and a touch of aniseed, giving this Bourbon a perfect balance between sweetness and spice.

Finish

Old Forester Statesman Bourbon leaves a lasting impression with a warming and pleasantly short finish. The cherry and vanilla notes linger on the palate, accompanied by a woody character from the charred barrel. Hints of wood tannins, cigar box, and tobacco add a rich and complex dimension to the experience.

Rating

Given the impressive range of flavors, aroma, and the overall character of Old Forester Statesman Bourbon, I would confidently rate it as a top-notch choice for Bourbon enthusiasts. The balance between sweetness, spice, and wood make it a crowd-pleaser, and the friendly price point makes this an excellent value purchase. I will give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixers

In my experience, some of the best mixers for Old Forester Statesman Bourbon are ones that complement its sweet and fruity palate, as well as its bold oak and char notes. I personally enjoy pairing this whiskey with:

• Ginger ale: The spice from the ginger ale complements the whiskey’s rich caramel and fruit flavors.
• Soda water: A simple mixer that allows the whiskey’s bold flavors to come through.
• Cola: The sweet and slightly bitter flavor of cola pairs well with the Statesman’s oak and char notes.

Cocktail Suggestions

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Given its complexities, Old Forester Statesman Bourbon makes a great base for classic and creative cocktails alike. Based on its 47.5% ABV and 95-proof strength, I’d recommend trying it in these cocktails:

• Old Fashioned: Combine Statesman Bourbon with sugar, bitters, and an orange peel garnish. A true classic!
• Whiskey Sour: Mix the bourbon with lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white to create a smooth and refreshing drink.
• Manhattan: Stir together bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters to create this sophisticated cocktail.

Food Pairings

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As I’ve enjoyed Statesman Bourbon, I’ve found that it pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly those that complement its tasting notes of cherry, cocoa, and light banana. Some food pairings that I’ve enjoyed include:

• Grilled meats: The smoky and charred flavors of grilled meats echo the char-heavy oak notes in the bourbon.
• Dark chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate is nicely balanced with the sweetness of the whiskey.
• Cheese: Strong, bold cheeses, like blue cheese, pair well with Old Forester Statesman’s bold flavors and high ABV..

Conclusion

While it’s true that The Statesman was released as a tie-in to the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle, it shouldn’t be dismissed as just a limited edition or movie tie-in product. I found it to be a solid, enjoyable bourbon that adds value to Old Forester’s lineup – which includes classics like the Whiskey Row Series, Old Forester 1920, and Birthday Bourbon.

In the end, I enjoyed sipping The Statesman from my Glencairn glass and found it to be a good value addition to my whiskey collection. So, if you haven’t tried it yet and are a fan of bourbons with friendly character, I’d recommend giving Old Forester Statesman a try.

Related Posts

As a bourbon enthusiast, I’ve come across some interesting whiskey reviews lately that I think you might enjoy. Here are some related posts that have captured my attention:

• Heaven Hill Fighting Cock Bourbon Review: A Spirited Taste Test: I was intrigued by this unique bourbon name and the reputation of the distillery behind it.
• 1792 Full Proof Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes & Expert Insight: This bold and flavorful whiskey caught my eye and I found the review insightful.
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• Old Scout Straight Bourbon Review: A Friendly Guide to a Classic Taste: I was excited to finally get my hands on this renowned bourbon and the review was quite helpful.
• Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain Review: An Unforgettable Tasting Experience: The blend of three different whiskeys in this four grain mash bill caught my attention, making for an unforgettable experience.